India vs Zimbabwe ODIs: Indian cricket team's senior batter Shikhar Dhawan was slightly taken aback by a reporter's 'accent' during one of India's pre-match press conferences. Dhawan failed to understand what the reporter had questioned as he did not get his accent. The star opener then urged the reporter to repeat himself. The light-hearted moment made everyone laugh a bit as well.
"Shikhar, how difficult is it to play a team like Zimbabwe at this moment… who have been struggling for a long period. They haven't even played much against the Indian team. Do you expect to beat a team like Zimbabwe," the reporter asked. To which Dhawan replied: "Ah, I didn't get it. Can you repeat? I couldn't understand your accent, sir".
After the reporter repeated his question, a more alerted Dhawan replied saying: "I feel it is very good for world cricket that we are playing against Zimbabwe. It is good for us, it is good for them to play against such a quality side. It will give them confidence and it is good for our youngsters. We have got young boys and we can try out all the young guns. Coming and playing in different conditions is always a challenge and trying to win this series will be no different. This series is a good exposure for both sides and that is how even Zimbabwe are going to get better. That is how they are going to learn."
The Indian cricket team will play a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe from August 18. All three ODIs will be played in Harare. A fit-again KL Rahul was handed over the captaincy of the team for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Senior opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was initially announced the captain for Zimbabwe ODIs, was demoted to vice-captain position with Rahul making a comeback.